The Blytheville City Council voted all in favor to repair the lighting at the I-55 Blytheville exits 63 and 67.
The city will repair the lighting at a cost of $167,438 with Shelby Electric to improve safety at the exits, and also increase the likelihood of travelers stopping in Blytheville.
Along with the support of the council, Greater Blytheville Area Chamber of Commerce president Michael Jacques also advocated for the repairs.
“As a Chamber the only thing we’re concerned about is getting the exits well-lit. We know that the exits are a major economic impact to Blytheville, specifically exit 67,” Jacques said. “That’s probably where most of our tax dollars originate. But [personally], at night I wouldn’t turn off on that exit, I’d wait for one a little more lit up.”
However, in the previous finance committee meetings, Mayor James Sanders did confirm that the Shelby Electric is backlogged 4-6 months on all work orders.
While the city is moving forward on this project with Shelby Electric, they will not include the wiring, fixtures, ramps, etc. However, Sanders confirmed that Entergy will assist in those areas and collaborate in the repairs.
“Chief Jefferson and myself have been on the phone with [Entergy] to ensure that agreement would be honored and they confirmed,” Sanders said.
Additionally, the council also placed liens on 26 different properties throughout the city.
After notifying the property owners of code enforcement violations and seeing no change, the department moved forward with correcting the violations with city funds.
Lien prices on each property vary based on the property size, demolition costs, dumpling fees, etc. Liens in this resolution range from approximately $1,300 to $6, 000.
The council also passed:
● Federal-Aid Transportation Alternative program funds to move forward with the Elm Street repair project. The federal assistance will account for 80 percent of the project.
● Amended the 2021 budget to account for the I-55 lighting project.